Tensions rise in Bangkok after fatal bomb blast

Tensions have resurfaced in Bangkok following a grenade explosion that left one man dead and several injured.

The killing comes after another fatal blast in the Thai capital five days ago, breaking a period of relative calm since the violent anti-government protests in April and May.

Police said the grenade, tied with a rubber band and wrapped in a plastic bag, was left in a public bin.

The man who found it sustained injuries all over his body and is now being treated in hospital.

“I do not want to speculate on the cause at this point and whether it is politically motivated or an attempt to stir chaos,” Lt Gen Santarn Chayanond of the Metropolitan Police told the Reuters news agency.

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Last Sunday a small bomb exploded at a bus stop in Bangkok, killing one person and injuring 10 others.

The blast occurred in the same area that was occupied by “red-shirt” anti-government protesters during the prolong period of rioting in May.

So far, no group has said it carried out either attack.

Earlier this week, the Thai authorities lifted a state of emergency in six provinces but kept it in place in 10 others, including Bangkok.

Around 90 people died and 1,800 were injured during the confrontation between the “red shirts” and the security forces.